Authorities in Lake Town, Kolkata, removed a towering 70-foot statue of football icon Lionel Messi on Monday after residents raised concerns about the structure's stability during strong winds. The statue, made of iron and fiberglass, had become a prominent local landmark since its installation during the tenure of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The removal operation was carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD), which used heavy equipment to dismantle and transport the structure from the Lake Town neighborhood. Officials acted following complaints from local residents who reportedly observed the massive statue swaying during periods of high wind, raising safety concerns.

The statue had attracted considerable public attention over the years because of its unusual scale and its tribute to one of football's most celebrated players. Residents and visitors frequently stopped at the site for photographs, making it a recognizable feature of the area.

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According to reports, authorities decided that removing the structure was necessary to prevent any potential risk to nearby residents and pedestrians. The operation was conducted under official supervision, with workers carefully bringing down the towering installation before moving it away from the location.

Officials indicated that the statue may not be permanently discarded and could be relocated to another site after technical assessments are completed. No timeline has been announced for its possible reinstallation, but authorities are expected to evaluate suitable locations and structural requirements before making a final decision.

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